Valve arrangement

ABSTRACT

A valve arrangement having a main valve and having a pilot valve which is provided for controlling the main valve and which is inserted into a pilot valve receptacle in an insertion direction, wherein, through closure of the pilot valve, a pressure is able to be built up within a pressure chamber which is closed off by a diaphragm, whereby a valve seat between a main valve inlet and a main valve outlet is able to be closed off. By opening the pilot valve, it is possible to set a release of pressure within the pressure chamber by water flowing away via an inflow, connected to the pressure chamber, of the pilot valve receptacle and via a pilot valve inlet, adjoining the latter and formed by a main body of the pilot valve. A pilot valve outlet, formed by the main body, and via an outflow, adjoining said pilot valve outlet, into the main valve outlet, opens into the main valve outlet on the outflow side of the diaphragm. The pilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet are arranged offset from one another along a longitudinal axis of the pilot valve.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The following documents are incorporated herein by reference as if fullyset forth: U.S. application Ser. No. 16/638,331, filed Feb. 11, 2020;International Application No. PCT/EP2018/065574, filed Jun. 13, 2018;and German Patent Application No. 20 2017 105 426.8, filed Sep. 7, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a valve arrangement having a main valve whichhas a diaphragm which selectively closes off and opens up a valve seatbetween a main valve inlet and a main valve outlet and has a pressurechamber which is closed off by the diaphragm and by way of which thediaphragm is able to be switched by way of application of pressure, andhaving a pilot valve by way of which it is possible to control a releaseof pressure of the pressure chamber into the main valve outlet of themain valve, wherein the pilot valve has a main body on which a pilotvalve inlet and a pilot valve outlet are formed, wherein the pilot valveinlet is, via the pilot valve, selectively connectable to the pilotvalve outlet and separable therefrom, and the main body is inserted intoa pilot valve receptacle in an insertion direction, wherein the pilotvalve receptacle has an inflow corresponding to the pilot valve inletand has an outflow corresponding to the pilot valve outlet, wherein theinflow is connected to the pressure chamber and the outflow opens intothe main valve outlet on the outflow side of the diaphragm.

BACKGROUND

Such a valve arrangement has in particular the disadvantage that, in thecase of different embodiments of previously known valve arrangements,the pilot valve also has to be designed in a manner differently andindividually adapted to the respective embodiment. It is thus notpossible for only one, in particular structurally identical, pilot valveto be provided in the case of different embodiments of valvearrangements. The possibility of using a structurally identical pilotvalve would consequently result in an enormous saving potential with theproduction of valve arrangements of the type mentioned at the beginningbeing provided.

Different embodiments may include for example those in which anadjustment direction of the main and pilot valves are oriented parallelor inclined, in particular perpendicular, to one another. Expressed ingeneral terms, it is thus possible to include valve arrangements inwhich a different insertion direction for inserting the pilot valve isprovided.

Here, it would be desirable if, for different embodiments, it would bepossible to insert a pilot valve produced in a structurally identicalmanner, in order for the production costs to be reduced overall.

There is an associated problem in this case particularly with regard toa coupling point between the main body of the pilot valve and the pilotvalve receptacle. Generally, a reliably sealed and stable connection ofthe main body and of the pilot body is achievable only in that said twocomponents are connected fixedly to one another and, consequently, areeither not able to be released from one another at all or are able to bereleased from one another only by means of a tool. For example, the mainbody of the pilot valve may be screwed fixedly to the pilot receptacle.This may be necessary since the pilot valve inserted with the main bodyinto the pilot valve receptacle has to be sealed at the coupling pointaxially with respect to the pilot valve receptacle, in order to avoidleakage between the two components.

Conversely, in the case of an insufficiently stable coupling of the mainbody to the pilot valve receptacle, it may occur that the seal,generally in the form of an axial seal, between the pilot valve inletand the inflow, and between the pilot valve outlet and the outflow, isinsufficient and water damage to components surrounding the valvearrangement, such as fittings, may consequently occur in the long termdue to leakage.

SUMMARY

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a valvearrangement of the type stated in the introduction in which theabove-stated disadvantages are eliminated.

For the purpose of achieving this object, a valve arrangement with oneor more features according to the invention is provided. In particular,according to the invention, for the purpose of achieving the statedobject, it is proposed that the pilot valve inlet and the pilot valveoutlet are arranged offset from one another at least in the insertiondirection. It is thus possible for the positions of the pilot valveinlet and pilot valve outlet to be transferable into one another by wayof a displacement, possibly superimposed by a rotation which is, withrespect to the insertion direction, radial and/or oriented in thecircumferential direction. Thus, in comparison with previously knownvalve arrangements of the type stated in the introduction, it ispossible to achieve simpler and still reliable sealing between the mainbody of the pilot valve and the pilot valve receptacle. Due to thearrangement of the pilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet that isoffset in the insertion direction, it is possible to set up a specialwater guide, whereby, when the valve arrangement is used, contactpressure of the pilot valve against the pilot valve receptacle of amagnitude as in previously known valve arrangements of the type statedin the introduction is not necessary for preventing leakage. It is thuspossible for example to completely dispense with a screw connection or asimilarly fixed connection, by way of which, in the case of alreadyknown valve arrangements, a contact pressure of the pilot valve on thepilot valve receptacle is able to be generated. A further advantage isthat the pilot valve is always able to be designed in a structurallyidentical manner regardless of its orientation relative to the mainvalve. In this way, the production costs of different embodiments of thevalve arrangement according to the invention can be significantlyreduced, since it is not the case that multiple different pilot valvesadapted to the respective embodiment have to be produced, but ratherthat the pilot valve can be reused in different installation variants.The invention also allows reduction of installation space transverse tothe insertion direction, since the inflow and the outflow are able to bearranged one behind the other in the insertion direction.

According to an advantageous refinement of the invention, it may beprovided that, at least in the position of use, between the pilot valveinlet and the pilot valve outlet, there is arranged a sealing elementacting transversely to the insertion direction, in particular a sealring acting transversely to the insertion direction. Due to theparticular construction of the pilot valve and of the pilot valvereceptacle, it is possible to dispense with axial seals, with which asignificantly greater contact pressure between the pilot valve and thepilot valve receptacle is required than with a sealing element actingtransversely to the insertion direction. Preferably, the sealing elementis arranged on the main body.

Alternatively or additionally, it may furthermore be advantageous if, byway of a sealing element or the sealing element stated above, inparticular the seal ring, a radial seal between the pilot valve inletand the pilot valve outlet, in particular between the main body and thepilot valve receptacle, is formed. The formation of a radial seal makesit possible to prevent leakage between the pilot valve inlet and thepilot valve outlet. At the same time, a coupling point between the pilotvalve and the pilot valve receptacle may be designed such that a slightdisplacement of the main body of the pilot valve within the pilot valvereceptacle and relative to the pilot valve receptacle is able to betolerated owing to play between the two components. The coupling mayconsequently be designed such that it is possible to prevent the pilotvalve sliding out of the pilot valve receptacle. By way of the coupling,it is consequently not necessary for contact pressure of the pilot valveagainst the pilot valve receptacle to be generated.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the invention, it maybe provided that the inflow and/or the outflow are/is orientedtransverse to the insertion direction, and/or in that the pilot valveinlet and/or the pilot valve outlet are/is oriented transverse to theinsertion direction. Due to the different possibilities for theorientation of the inflow and the outflow and/or, preferably in acorresponding manner, of the pilot valve inlet and the pilot valveoutlet, a particularly wide variety of different embodiments can beachieved, wherein the basic construction according to the invention canremain unchanged.

In order to design an inexpensive and still reliable coupling of thepilot valve to the pilot valve receptacle that is releasable withouttools, it may be advantageous if a fastening means is formed on the mainbody and a mating fastening means is formed on the pilot valvereceptacle, which fastening means form a lockable and releasableconnection. For example, it may be provided that the releasableconnection is in the form of a plug-and-turn connection, preferably inthe form of a bayonet connection. In this way, simple decoupling of thepilot valve from the pilot valve receptacle is possible. In the event ofa defect, the pilot valve and/or the main valve are/is consequently ableto replaced individually.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the invention, it maybe provided that the connection between the inflow and the pressurechamber and/or the connection between the outflow and the main valveoutlet are/is realized via a tube connection. This has the advantagethat the valve receptacle is able to be positioned more or less freelyrelative to the main valve, in particular relative to the housing of themain valve. In particular, the pilot valve is able to be arranged so asto be further spaced apart from the main valve. A tube connection alsohas the advantage that the length thereof is able to be easily adaptedto the installation situation, for example by cutting off a tube piece,and/or that the tube connection is flexible. This allows the tubeconnection to be freely bendable, which facilitates the installation ofthe valve arrangement, in particular since it is possible for the pilotvalve receptacle to be spaced apart from the main valve.

In order to be able to form a particularly reliable seal between thepilot valve and the pilot valve receptacle in the region between thepilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet, it may be expedient if thepilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet are arranged spaced apartfrom one another in the insertion direction. This makes it possible fora sealing element, such as for example a seal ring or the seal ringalready stated above, to be arranged in this region between the pilotvalve inlet and the pilot valve outlet.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the valve arrangement,it may be provided that the pilot valve inlet is formed on the main bodyas a duct extending radially at least sectionally, for example in amouth region, and/or the pilot valve outlet is formed on the main bodyas a duct extending axially at least sectionally, for example in a mouthregion. In the position of use of the pilot valve, it is thus possiblefor a release of pressure of a holding means, by which the pilot valveis held in the pilot valve receptacle, to be achieved. In this case, useis made of the realization that the outflow is substantiallyunpressurized.

According to a preferred refinement of the valve arrangement, it may beexpedient if the pilot valve receptacle is formed in a housing part ofthe main valve. In this way, a highly compact configuration of the valvearrangement is able to be achieved. Preferably, the housing part isdesigned as an adapter which is able to be removed from the remainder ofthe housing. This allows the orientation of the pilot valve relative tothe main valve to be changed by simple exchange of the adapter.

According to a further advantageous refinement, it may be provided thatthe pilot valve receptacle is of pot-shaped form. Here, it may beparticularly advantageous if the pilot valve receptacle is designed tobe at least half as deep as it is wide, preferably at least as deep asit is wide or even at least twice as deep as it is wide. This allows thepilot valve to be arranged in a stable manner, in particular withoutadditional lateral stabilization elements, in the pilot valvereceptacle. In this context, pot-shaped may mean for example that thepilot valve receptacle has a receiving space which may be delimited by abase and by a for example cylindrical or stepped cylindrical lateralwall. In particular, said receiving space may be at least partially ofcylindrical and/or frustoconical and/or rectangular and/or square form.

According to a further advantageous refinement, it may be provided thatthe outflow is formed at an inner end region of the pilot valvereceptacle. In this case, the pilot valve outlet is oriented axiallyand/or in the insertion direction. In this way, the invention permits aparticularly space-saving configuration of the pilot valve receptacleand the pilot valve. Furthermore, this makes possible a release ofpressure of a holding means for the pilot valve at the pilot valvereceptacle.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the valve arrangement,it may be provided that a mouth opening of the connection between theoutflow and the main valve outlet is arranged spaced apart from thediaphragm of the main valve. This allows the pilot valve to be coupledto the main valve regardless of how the main valve is designed. Inparticular, no adaptation of the pressure chamber, and/or of thediaphragm, in terms of construction is necessary.

It may be advantageous if the pilot valve is able to be actuated byhand. This makes it possible for the valve arrangement to be operated bythe user in a simple manner.

Here, it may be particularly advantageous if, for the purpose ofactuation, the pilot valve has a pushbutton mechanism, a rocker switchand/or a rotary switch. This makes possible simple opening and closingof the main valve more or less independently of a pressure prevailing inthe pressure chamber of the main valve via the pilot valve.

A particularly preferred refinement of the valve arrangement may providethat the pilot valve has a valve plunger. Through adjustment of thevalve plunger between an open position and a closed position, in whichclosed position the valve plunger is preferably inserted into a valveseat, it is possible to regulate a throughflow through the pilot valvein a simple and efficient manner. In a release position of the valveplunger, water can flow from the pilot valve inlet into the pilot valveoutlet through the pilot valve. In said release position, the main valveis likewise in an open position. In the closure position of the valveplunger of the pilot valve, no throughflow through the pilot valve takesplace and, consequently, a pressure is built up within the pressurechamber of the main valve. This results in a valve body of the mainvalve being pressed into the valve seat and the main valve thereby beingclosed.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the valve arrangement,it may be provided that the pilot valve is in the form of a pinch valve.A pinch valve makes it possible to achieve an optimum shut-off, with theproduction costs being relatively low.

It may be particularly expedient if the pilot valve is fastenedreleasably, in particular is fastened releasably by a bayonetconnection, in the pilot valve receptacle. This makes it possible forthe pilot valve to be separated from the pilot valve receptacle withouttools. The design of the pilot valve receptacle in pot-shaped formand/or the formation of radial sealing rings can provide the requiredplay for closing the bayonet closure.

For the purpose of achieving the object, the invention furthermorerelates to a series of valve arrangements according to the additionalembodiments having at least two variants, which each form a valvearrangement as described and claimed herein. In particular, according tothe invention, for the purpose of achieving the object, it is proposedthat the pilot valves of the at least two variants are structurallyidentical, wherein, in a first variant of the at least two variants, thepilot valve is arranged in a pilot valve receptacle formed on a housingpart of the main valve and, in a second variant of the at least twovariants, the pilot valve is arranged in a position, and/or with anorientation, which differs in relation to the respective main valve. Inthis way, the user is able to select the valve arrangement as requiredaccording to an installation situation. This gives the usersignificantly greater flexibility, since it is not necessary to clarifywhich installation variant is usable, and which installation variant isnot usable, prior to the installation of a valve arrangement. At leastone of the valve arrangements included in the series is suitable for therespective conditions, and/or matched thereto.

According to an advantageous refinement of the series, it may beprovided that, in the second variant of the at least two variants, thepilot valve is arranged in a pilot valve receptacle which is separatefrom the main valve. This makes it possible for the pilot valve to bearrangeable more or less independently of the main valve. In particular,the pilot valve is able to be arranged spaced apart from the main valve.

According to a preferred configuration of the series, it may beparticularly advantageous if, in the second variant, the pilot valve isconnected to the main valve via at least one tube connection. A tubeconnection has the advantage that the length thereof is able to beeasily adapted to the installation situation, for example by cutting offa tube piece, and/or that the tube connection is flexible. This makes itpossible for the tube connection to be formed in a freely bendablemanner, which facilitates the installation of the valve arrangement.

According to a further advantageous refinement of the series, it may beprovided that the first variant and the second variant are distinguishedfrom one another by an adapter communicating between the main valve andthe pilot valve, in particular wherein the adapter at least partiallyforms the pressure chamber.

The invention therefore relates to a valve arrangement having a mainvalve and having a pilot valve which is provided for controlling themain valve and which is inserted into a pilot valve receptacle in aninsertion direction, wherein, through closure of the pilot valve, apressure is able to be built up within a pressure chamber which isclosed off by a diaphragm, whereby a valve seat between a main valveinlet and a main valve outlet is able to be closed off, wherein, throughopening of the pilot valve, it is possible to set a release of pressurewithin the pressure chamber by way of flowing-away of the water via aninflow, connected to the pressure chamber, of the pilot valve receptacleand via a pilot valve inlet, adjoining said inflow and formed by a mainbody of the pilot valve, and via a pilot valve outlet, formed by themain body of the pilot valve, and via an outflow, adjoining said pilotvalve outlet, into the main valve outlet, wherein the outflow opens intothe main valve outlet on the outflow side of the diaphragm, wherein thepilot valve inlet and the pilot valve outlet are arranged offset fromone another along a longitudinal axis of the pilot valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be discussed in more detail on the basis ofseveral exemplary embodiments, but is not restricted to these exemplaryembodiments. Further exemplary embodiments emerge from the combinationof the features of individual or several claims and/or with individualor several features of the exemplary embodiments.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a first embodiment of thevalve arrangement according to the invention, with the adjustmentdirection of the main valve in this case being perpendicular to theadjustment direction of the pilot valve,

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the valve arrangement as per FIG.1 in a perspective view,

FIG. 3 shows a section through the housing of the main valve, and of thepilot valve, of the valve arrangement as per FIGS. 1 and 2 in a planview,

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIGS. 1 to 3 in a side view, with the pilot valvebeing in an open position,

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIGS. 1 to 4 in a side view, with the pilot valvebeing in a closed position,

FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of a second embodiment of thevalve arrangement according to the invention, with the adjustmentdirection of the main valve in this case being coaxial with theadjustment direction of the pilot valve,

FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIG. 6 in a side view, with the pilot valve being ina closed position,

FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIGS. 6 and 7 in a side view, with the pilot valvebeing in an open position,

FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration of a third embodiment of thevalve arrangement according to the invention, with the adjustmentdirection of the main valve in this case being parallel to theadjustment direction of the pilot valve,

FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIG. 9 in a side view, with the pilot valve being ina closed position,

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIGS. 9 and 10 in a side view, with the pilot valvebeing in an open position,

FIG. 12 shows a perspective illustration of a fourth embodiment of thevalve arrangement according to the invention, with the pilot valvereceptacle, with the pilot valve inserted therein, being arranged spacedapart from the main valve,

FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIG. 12 in a side view, with the pilot valve being ina closed position,

FIG. 14 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the valvearrangement as per FIGS. 12 and 13 in a side view, with the pilot valvebeing in an open position,

FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of a longitudinal section through a pilotvalve receptacle, with pilot valve inserted therein,

FIG. 16 shows a perspective illustration of the pilot valve receptacle,with the pilot valve inserted therein, from FIG. 15,

FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of a longitudinal section through a pilotvalve of an embodiment of the valve arrangement according to theinvention, with the pilot valve being shown in an open position,

FIG. 18 shows a sectional view of a longitudinal section through a pilotvalve of an embodiment of the valve arrangement according to theinvention, with the pilot valve being shown in a closed position,

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the pilot valve from FIGS. 17 and18, with the pilot valve being shown in an open position, and

FIG. 20 shows an axial cross-section of another embodiment according tothe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first exemplary embodiment of a valve arrangementaccording to the invention, which is denoted as a whole by 1.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a second exemplary embodiment of a valve arrangementaccording to the invention, which is denoted as a whole by 50.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show a third exemplary embodiment of a valve arrangementaccording to the invention, which is denoted as a whole by 75.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a valve arrangementaccording to the invention, which is denoted as a whole by 100.

Further embodiments, which have not been represented on the basis offigures, are also conceivable, however.

The valve arrangement 1, 50, 75, 100 has in each case one main valve 2,which is arranged in a housing 26. The main valve 2 has a diaphragm 6,by which a pressure chamber 7 is closed off. By means of application ofpressure to the diaphragm 6, the main valve 2 is able to be switchedinto a closed position. Here, water can flow into the pressure chamber 7from a main valve inlet 4 via an inflow opening 27, whereby there is abuild-up of a pressure within the pressure chamber 7 that pushes a valvebody 25 into a valve seat 3, and thus water can no longer flow from themain valve inlet 4 into a main valve outlet 5 through the main valve 2.

The pilot valve 8 has a main body 9. A pilot valve inlet 10 and a pilotvalve outlet 11 are formed on the main body 9 of the pilot valve 8. Inan open position, that is to say also in a release position, of thepilot valve 8, water can flow from the pilot valve inlet 10 to the pilotvalve outlet 11 by way of a flow path in the form of a duct. In a closedposition of the pilot valve 8, it is not possible for the pilot valve 8to be flowed through.

The main body 9 of the pilot valve 8 is inserted into a correspondingpilot valve receptacle 12 in an insertion direction 13. An inflow 14 isconsequently formed on the pilot valve receptacle 12, which inflow isjoined to the pilot valve inlet 10 of the pilot valve 8 and correspondsthereto. This results in the formation of a duct via which water canflow from the pilot valve receptacle 12 into the pilot valve 8. Anoutflow 15 is also formed on the pilot valve receptacle 12, whichoutflow is joined to the pilot valve outlet 10 of the pilot valve 8 andcorresponds thereto. This results in the formation of a further duct,via which water can flow from the pilot valve 12 into the pilot valvereceptacle 12.

The insertion direction 13 of the different embodiments of the valvearrangement 1, 50, 75, 100 varies, with this being defined by therespective orientation of the pilot valve receptacle relative to themain valve 2.

The pressure chamber 7 is connected to the inflow 14 of the pilot valvereceptacle 12, in particular via a connection line.

The outflow 15 of the pilot valve receptacle 12 is connected to the mainvalve outlet 5, in particular via a connection line. Water flowing outof the pilot valve 8 consequently passes into the main valve outlet 5via a mouth opening 21 in the wall of the main valve outlet 5.

As can be seen from the figures, the pilot valve receptacle 12 is ofpotshaped form, with the result that it has a likewise pot-shapedreceiving space for receiving the pilot valve 8. A base delimits thepilot valve receptacle 12 in the insertion direction 13. As can also beseen, the pilot valve receptacle 12, in particular the receiving space,is designed to be at least half as deep as it is wide, preferably atleast as deep as it is wide or even at least twice as deep as it iswide, in order in this way to be able to achieve secure lateral, inparticular tilt-resistant, mounting of the pilot valve 8 in the pilotvalve receptacle 12. The outflow 15 is formed at an inner end region ofthe pilot valve receptacle 12, in particular at an inner end region ofthe receiving space. The inflow 14 is formed in a lateral wall of thepilot valve receptacle 12, in particular at an inner end region of thereceiving space.

The build-up of pressure within the pressure chamber 7 is able to beregulated via the pilot valve 8. Closure of the pilot valve 8 results init not being possible for water to flow from the pressure chamber 7through the pilot valve 8 via the inflow 14. Consequently, an internalpressure is built up within the pressure chamber 7. As a result of thebuild-up of pressure within the pressure chamber 7, the diaphragm issubjected to pressure and the main valve 2 is closed.

Opening of the pilot valve 8 results in the internal pressure within thepressure chamber 7 being reduced in that water flows out into the mainvalve outlet 5 via the inflow 14 and the outflow 15 and a release ofpressure within the pressure chamber 7 is consequently established. Inthis way, the valve body 25 is pushed out of the valve seat 3, and waterflows from the main valve inlet 5 into the main valve outlet 5 throughthe valve seat 3.

In order to achieve particularly effective sealing between the pilotvalve receptacle 12 and the main body 9 of the pilot valve 8 withoutscrewing or similar of the main body 9 on the pilot valve receptaclebeing necessary, the pilot valve inlet 10 and the pilot valve outlet 11of the pilot valve 8, as shown in particular in FIGS. 15 to 19, arearranged offset from one another in the insertion direction 13. Thisconstitutes a particularly reliable and, in comparison with technicalsolutions already known, nevertheless inexpensive coupling point of thepilot valve 8 and the pilot valve receptacle 12. Furthermore, the pilotvalve inlet 10 and the pilot valve outlet 11 are arranged spaced apartfrom one another in the insertion direction 13, this likewise alsoemerging from FIGS. 15 to 19.

The pilot valve inlet 10 is formed on the main body as a duct extendingradially sectionally, at least in the mouth region, and the pilot valveoutlet 11 is formed on the main body as a duct extending axiallysectionally, at least in the mouth region. In the case of water flowingthrough the pilot valve 8, it is thus possible for a release of pressureof a holding means, by which the pilot valve is held in the pilot valvereceptacle, to be achieved. The holding means may be formed by afastening means 17 and a mating fastening means 18.

For the formation of a seal, between the pilot valve inlet 10 and thepilot valve outlet 11, there is arranged a seal ring 16 which actstransversely to the insertion direction 13 and by which a radial sealbetween the main body 9 and a wall of the pilot valve receptacle 12 isformed. The flow path, in the form of a duct, within the pilot valve 8between the pilot valve inlet 10 and the pilot valve outlet 11 is sealedoff via a further sealing element 28, preferably a sealing element 28 inthe form of a seal ring, in the closure position of the pilot valve 8.

In the first embodiment of the valve arrangement 1, which is shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, the inflow 14 is oriented parallel to the insertiondirection 13. By contrast, the outflow 15 is arranged transverse, inparticular at a right angle, to the insertion direction 13. In thisembodiment of the valve arrangement 1, the pilot valve receptacle 12 isformed by a housing part 20 of the main valve 2. The insertion direction13 and the adjustment direction of the main valve 2 are likewiseoriented transverse, in particular perpendicular, to one another. Theinsertion direction 13 is in this case parallel to a longitudinal axisof the main valve outlet 5. The valve arrangement 1 thus constitutes aparticularly space-saving configuration. A connection between the inflow14 and the pressure chamber 7 and a connection between the outflow 15and the main valve outlet 5 is in each case realized via a connectionduct formed in the housing part 20.

In the second embodiment of the valve arrangement 50, which is shown inFIGS. 6 to 8, the inflow 14 is likewise arranged parallel to theinsertion direction 13. By contrast, the outflow 15 is arrangedtransverse, in particular at a right angle, to the insertion direction13. By contrast to the above-stated embodiment, the pilot valve 8 isarranged at an angle to the main valve outlet 5 such that the insertiondirection 13 is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to thelongitudinal axis of the main valve outlet 5. The main valve 2 and thepilot valve 8 are arranged such that the adjustment directions thereofare parallel to, in particular coaxial with, and/or along the insertiondirection 13. In this embodiment of the valve arrangement 50, the pilotvalve receptacle 12 is likewise formed by a housing part 20 of the mainvalve 2. A connection between the inflow 14 and the pressure chamber 7and a connection between the outflow 15 and the main valve outlet 5 isin each case realized via a connection duct formed in the housing part20.

In the third embodiment of the valve arrangement 75, which is shown inFIGS. 9 to 11, the inflow 14 is arranged transverse, in particularperpendicular, to the insertion direction 13. The outflow 15 is arrangedparallel to the insertion direction 13. As in the case of theabove-stated embodiment, the pilot valve 8 is arranged at an angle tothe main valve outlet 5 such that the insertion direction 13 istransverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of themain valve outlet 5. The main valve 2 and the pilot valve 8 are arrangedsuch that the adjustment directions thereof are parallel to and/or alongthe insertion direction 13. In this embodiment of the valve arrangement50, the pilot valve receptacle 12 is likewise formed by a housing part20 of the main valve 2. A connection between the inflow 14 and thepressure chamber 7 and a connection between the outflow 15 and the mainvalve outlet 5 is in each case realized via a connection duct formed inthe housing part 20.

The fourth embodiment of the valve arrangement 100, which is shown inFIGS. 12 to 14, has the special feature that a connection between theinflow 14 and the pressure chamber 7 and a connection between theoutflow 15 and the main valve outlet 5 is in each case realized via atube connection 19. This has the advantage that the pilot valvereceptacle 12 and the pilot valve 8 are able to be positioned more orless freely relative to the main valve 2, since the pilot valvereceptacle 12 is not formed by a housing part 20 of the housing 26 ofthe main valve 2. This is because the pilot valve receptacle 12 isdesigned as a separate element and is therefore able to be placed spacedapart from the main valve. In the fourth embodiment of the valvearrangement 100, the inflow 14 is arranged transverse, in particularperpendicular, to the insertion direction 13. The outflow 15 is arrangedparallel to the insertion direction 13.

In order to make it possible for the pilot valve 8 and the pilot valvereceptacle 12 to be coupled in a manner releasable without tools, thevalve arrangement 1, 50, 75, 100 has a fastening means 17 on the mainbody 9 and a mating fastening means 18 on the pilot valve receptacle 12.By way of the fastening means 17 and the mating fastening means 18, alockable and releasable connection is formed. As can be clearly seenparticularly in FIG. 16, the valve arrangement 1, 50, 75, 100 has aplug-and-turn connection, by which a simple, stable and releasablecoupling of the pilot valve 8 and the pilot valve receptacle 12 ispossible. Preferably, the plug-and-turn connection may be in the form ofa bayonet connection.

The mouth opening 21 of the outflow 15 into the main valve outlet 5 isarranged spaced apart from the diaphragm 6. This makes it possible toavoid unwanted feedback on the diaphragm 6 and associated malfunctioningwith the closing and opening of the main valve 2.

The pilot valve 8 is able to be adjusted between a closed position andan open position by hand. For this purpose, the pilot valve 8 has apushbutton mechanism 22, known per se, via which a valve plunger 23 isable to be adjusted along the adjustment direction of the pilot valve 8.The valve plunger allows the flow path between the pilot valve inlet 10and the pilot valve outlet 12 to be selectively closed off or opened up.

In a further embodiment of the valve arrangement 1, 50, 75, 100, whichis not represented on the basis of the figures, it may be provided thatthe pilot valve is in the form of a pinch valve. A pinch valve makes itpossible to achieve an optimum shut-off, with the production costs beingrelatively low.

In all the embodiments of the valve arrangement 1, 50, 75, 100, thepilot valves 8 are of structurally identical design. This allows thepilot valve 8 to be usable regardless of the desired embodiment.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a possible configuration of a pilot valve 8 whichis inserted into a pilot valve receptacle 12 and is locked therein.

The structurally identical pilot valve 8 is illustrated once again inFIGS. 17 to 19, with the pilot valve 8 being shown in the open positionin FIG. 17 and in the closed position in FIG. 18.

As can be seen from FIGS. 15, 17 and 18, the pilot valve 8 has twoopening ducts, which are able to be used selectively as the pilot valveinlet 10 or as the pilot valve outlet 11. Whether the respective openingduct 10, 11 acts as the pilot valve inlet 10 or as the pilot valveoutlet 11 depends on the throughflow direction of the water through thepilot valve 8. Therefore, no structural changes to the pilot valve 8 arenecessary for making it possible for the pilot valve 8 to be used fordifferent throughflow directions. In general, it may consequently besaid that the pilot valve 8 has a freely selectable throughflowdirection. An inflow direction of the pilot valve inlet 10 is arrangedrotated through an angle, in particular through a right angle, withrespect to the outflow direction of the pilot valve outlet 11. It ispreferably the case, however, that the pilot valve outlet 11 is formedon the main body 9 axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of themain body 9 and the pilot valve inlet 10 is formed on the main body 9radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the main body 9. Thismakes it possible for a release of pressure to be provided at thecoupling point of the pilot valve 8 and the pilot valve receptacle 12.

In order to be able to achieve particularly effective sealing of theintermediate space between the main body 9 and the pilot valvereceptacle 12, at least one further sealing element 28, in particular aseal ring, is arranged between the main body 9 and the pilot valvereceptacle 12. Here, the sealing element 28 may be arranged between thepushbutton mechanism 22 and the pilot valve inlet 10. It is thuspossible to prevent for example damage to the pushbutton mechanism 22caused by water due to leakage.

The pilot valve 8 furthermore has, for sealing an intermediate spacebetween the valve plunger 23 and the main body 9, at least one innersealing element 29, which, between the pilot valve inlet 10 and thepilot valve outlet 11, acts transversely, in particular perpendicularly,to the insertion direction 13. In particular, the at least one innersealing element 29 may be designed as a seal ring 29, with the valveplunger 23 being guided displaceably within the annular opening of theseal ring.

The pilot valve 8 may have a further inner sealing element 29, which isarranged between the valve plunger 23 and the main body 9, and betweenthe pushbutton mechanism 22 and the pilot valve inlet 10. In particular,the further inner sealing element 29 may be designed as a seal ring,with the valve plunger 23 being guided displaceably within the annularopening of the seal ring.

The housing part 20 of the main valve may be designed as an adapter 24which is able to be removed in particular from the remainder of thehousing 26. The pressure chamber 7 is partly formed by the adapter 24.

FIG. 20 shows an axial cross-section of another embodiment ac-cording tothe invention. Parts or elements that are identical or similar to thoseof the preceding embodiments are denoted with corresponding referencenumerals; Explanations given for the preceding embodiments are valid forthis embodiment, too.

The embodiment according to FIG. 20 deviates from the precedingembodiments in that the sealing element 16 is an axial seal, i.e. it isto be compressed in the axial direction to yield a sealing effect.

In addition, it can be seen from FIG. 20 and the preceding embodiments,that the pilot valve 8 further includes a valve plunger 23 that isoperatively connected to a push-push-mechanism 31.

The sealings 29 are each of an elastically deformable material. Onesealing 29 is arranged between the pilot valve inlet 10 and the pilotvalve outlet, another sealing 29 is arranged between the pilot valveinlet 10 a valve seat (33) of the pi-lot valve 8.

The latter sealing 29 is, at least in a closed state of the pilot valve8, in sealing cooperation with the valve plunger 23.

A main body of the pilot valve 8 is comprised of at least two parts 32,34 that are attached to each other. A valve part 32 contains a valveseat 33 of the pilot valve 8 and is sealingly connected to the pilotvalve receptacle 12.

An actuation part 34 contains a pushbutton mechanism 22 in the form of apush-push mechanism 31.

In an open state of the pilot valve 8, the (lower) sealing 29 is spacedapart from the valve plunger 23. To achieve this, a distal end section30 of the valve plunger 23 is smaller in diameter then the (lower)sealing 29.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 Valve arrangement-   50 Valve arrangement-   75 Valve arrangement-   100 Valve arrangement-   2 Main valve-   3 Valve seat-   4 Main valve inlet-   5 Main valve outlet-   6 Diaphragm-   7 Pressure chamber-   8 Pilot valve-   9 Main body-   10 Pilot valve inlet-   11 Pilot valve outlet-   12 Pilot valve receptacle-   13 Insertion direction-   14 Inflow-   15 Outflow-   16 Sealing element-   17 Fastening means-   18 Mating fastening means-   19 Tube connection-   20 Housing part of the main valve-   21 Mouth opening-   22 Pushbutton mechanism-   23 Valve plunger of the pilot valve-   24 Adapter-   25 Valve body-   26 Valve housing-   27 Inflow opening-   28 Further sealing element-   29 Inner sealing element-   30 Distal end section-   31 Push-push mechanism-   32 Valve part-   33 Valve seat-   34 Actuation part

1. A valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100), comprising: a main valve (2)including a valve seat (3) between a main valve inlet (4) and a mainvalve outlet (5), a diaphragm (6) which selectively closes off and opensup the valve seat (3), and a pressure chamber (7) which is closed off bythe diaphragm (6) and by which the diaphragm (6) is switchable viaapplication of pressure; a pilot valve receptacle formed on or connectedto the main housing a pilot valve (8) configured to control a release ofpressure of the pressure chamber (7) into the main valve outlet (5) ofthe main valve (2), the pilot valve (8) including a main body (9) onwhich a pilot valve inlet (10) and a pilot valve outlet (11) are formed,the pilot valve inlet (10) is, via the pilot valve (8), selectivelyconnectable to the pilot valve outlet (11) and separable therefrom, andthe main body (9) is inserted into the pilot valve receptacle (12) in aninsertion direction (13); wherein the pilot valve receptacle (12) has aninflow (14) corresponding to the pilot valve inlet (10) and has anoutflow (15) corresponding to the pilot valve outlet (11), the inflow(14) is connected to the pressure chamber (7) and the outflow (15) opensinto the main valve outlet (5) on the outflow side of the diaphragm (6);wherein the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) arearranged offset from one another at least in the insertion direction(13); and a sealing element (16) is arranged, at least in a position ofuse, between the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11),the sealing element (16) being insertable with the pilot valve in andacting at least partially along the insertion direction (13), and thesealing element (16) forms at least an axial seal between the pilotvalve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) between the main body(9) and the pilot valve receptacle (12).
 2. A valve arrangement (1, 50,75, 100), comprising: a main valve (2) including a valve seat (3)between a main valve inlet (4) and a main valve outlet (5), a diaphragm(6) which selectively closes off and opens up the valve seat (3), and apressure chamber (7) which is closed off by the diaphragm (6) and bywhich the diaphragm (6) is switchable via application of pressure; apilot valve receptacle formed on or connected to the main housing apilot valve (8) configured to control a release of pressure of thepressure chamber (7) into the main valve outlet (5) of the main valve(2), the pilot valve (8) including a main body (9) on which a pilotvalve inlet (10) and a pilot valve outlet (11) are formed, the pilotvalve inlet (10) is, via the pilot valve (8), selectively connectable tothe pilot valve outlet (11) and separable therefrom, and the main body(9) is inserted into the pilot valve receptacle (12) in an insertiondirection (13); wherein the pilot valve receptacle (12) has an inflow(14) corresponding to the pilot valve inlet (10) and has an outflow (15)corresponding to the pilot valve outlet (11), the inflow (14) isconnected to the pressure chamber (7) and the outflow (15) opens intothe main valve outlet (5) on the outflow side of the diaphragm (6);wherein the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) arearranged offset from one another at least in the insertion direction(13); and wherein the pilot valve (8) further includes a valve plunger(23) that is in sliding or fixed contact with a sealing element (29)that seals the pilot valve (8).
 3. A valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100),comprising: a main valve (2) including a valve seat (3) between a mainvalve inlet (4) and a main valve outlet (5), a diaphragm (6) whichselectively closes off and opens up the valve seat (3), and a pressurechamber (7) which is closed off by the diaphragm (6) and by which thediaphragm (6) is switchable via application of pressure; a pilot valvereceptacle formed on or connected to the main housing a pilot valve (8)configured to control a release of pressure of the pressure chamber (7)into the main valve outlet (5) of the main valve (2), the pilot valve(8) including a main body (9) on which a pilot valve inlet (10) and apilot valve outlet (11) are formed, the pilot valve inlet (10) is, viathe pilot valve (8), selectively connectable to the pilot valve outlet(11) and separable therefrom, and the main body (9) is inserted into thepilot valve receptacle (12) in an insertion direction (13); wherein thepilot valve receptacle (12) has an inflow (14) corresponding to thepilot valve inlet (10) and has an outflow (15) corresponding to thepilot valve outlet (11), the inflow (14) is connected to the pressurechamber (7) and the outflow (15) opens into the main valve outlet (5) onthe outflow side of the diaphragm (6); wherein the pilot valve inlet(10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) are arranged offset from oneanother at least in the insertion direction (13); and wherein the pilotvalve (8) further includes a valve plunger (23) that has a distal endsection (30) of reduced diameter.
 4. A valve arrangement (1, 50, 75,100), comprising: a main valve (2) including a valve seat (3) between amain valve inlet (4) and a main valve outlet (5), a diaphragm (6) whichselectively closes off and opens up the valve seat (3), and a pressurechamber (7) which is closed off by the diaphragm (6) and by which thediaphragm (6) is switchable via application of pressure; a pilot valvereceptacle formed on or connected to the main housing a pilot valve (8)configured to control a release of pressure of the pressure chamber (7)into the main valve outlet (5) of the main valve (2), the pilot valve(8) including a main body (9) on which a pilot valve inlet (10) and apilot valve outlet (11) are formed, the pilot valve inlet (10) is, viathe pilot valve (8), selectively connectable to the pilot valve outlet(11) and separable therefrom, and the main body (9) is inserted into thepilot valve receptacle (12) in an insertion direction (13); wherein thepilot valve receptacle (12) has an inflow (14) corresponding to thepilot valve inlet (10) and has an outflow (15) corresponding to thepilot valve outlet (11), the inflow (14) is connected to the pressurechamber (7) and the outflow (15) opens into the main valve outlet (5) onthe outflow side of the diaphragm (6); wherein the pilot valve inlet(10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) are arranged offset from oneanother at least in the insertion direction (13); and wherein the pilotvalve (8) further includes a valve plunger (23) that is operativelyconnected to a push-push-mechanism (31).
 5. A valve arrangement (1, 50,75, 100), comprising: a main valve (2) including a valve seat (3)between a main valve inlet (4) and a main valve outlet (5), a diaphragm(6) which selectively closes off and opens up the valve seat (3), and apressure chamber (7) which is closed off by the diaphragm (6) and bywhich the diaphragm (6) is switchable via application of pressure; apilot valve receptacle formed on or connected to the main housing apilot valve (8) configured to control a release of pressure of thepressure chamber (7) into the main valve outlet (5) of the main valve(2), the pilot valve (8) including a main body (9) on which a pilotvalve inlet (10) and a pilot valve outlet (11) are formed, the pilotvalve inlet (10) is, via the pilot valve (8), selectively connectable tothe pilot valve outlet (11) and separable therefrom, and the main body(9) is inserted into the pilot valve receptacle (12) in an insertiondirection (13); wherein the pilot valve receptacle (12) has an inflow(14) corresponding to the pilot valve inlet (10) and has an outflow (15)corresponding to the pilot valve outlet (11), the inflow (14) isconnected to the pressure chamber (7) and the outflow (15) opens intothe main valve outlet (5) on the outflow side of the diaphragm (6);wherein the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) arearranged offset from one another at least in the insertion direction(13); wherein the pilot valve (8) further includes a valve plunger (23);and at least one of (a) a seal (29) of an elastically deformablematerial arranged between the pilot valve inlet (10) and at least one ofthe pilot valve outlet (11) or a valve seat (33) of the pilot valve (8),or (b) a seal, at least in a closed state of the pilot valve (8), insealing cooperation with the valve plunger (23).
 6. A valve arrangement(1, 50, 75, 100), comprising: a main valve (2) including a valve seat(3) between a main valve inlet (4) and a main valve outlet (5), adiaphragm (6) which selectively closes off and opens up the valve seat(3), and a pressure chamber (7) which is closed off by the diaphragm (6)and by which the diaphragm (6) is switchable via application ofpressure; a pilot valve receptacle formed on or connected to the mainhousing a pilot valve (8) configured to control a release of pressure ofthe pressure chamber (7) into the main valve outlet (5) of the mainvalve (2), the pilot valve (8) including a main body (9) on which apilot valve inlet (10) and a pilot valve outlet (11) are formed, thepilot valve inlet (10) is, via the pilot valve (8), selectivelyconnectable to the pilot valve outlet (11) and separable therefrom, andthe main body (9) is inserted into the pilot valve receptacle (12) in aninsertion direction (13); wherein the pilot valve receptacle (12) has aninflow (14) corresponding to the pilot valve inlet (10) and has anoutflow (15) corresponding to the pilot valve outlet (11), the inflow(14) is connected to the pressure chamber (7) and the outflow (15) opensinto the main valve outlet (5) on the outflow side of the diaphragm (6);wherein the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11) arearranged offset from one another at least in the insertion direction(13); and wherein a main body of the pilot valve (8) is comprised of atleast a valve part and an actuation part (32, 34) that are attached toeach other, and at least one of (a) the valve part (32) at least one ofcontains a valve seat (33) of the pilot valve (8) or is sealinglyconnected to the pilot valve receptacle (12) or the actuation part (34)contains a pushbutton mechanism (22).
 7. The valve arrangement (1, 50,75, 100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in an open state of the pilotvalve (8), the sealing (29) is spaced apart from the valve plunger (23),in particular wherein a distal end section (30) of the valve plunger(23) is smaller in diameter then the sealing (29).
 8. The valvearrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising asealing element (16) that is arranged, at least in a position of use,between the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valve outlet (11), thesealing element (16) being insertable with the pilot valve in and actingtransversely to the insertion direction (13), and the sealing element(16) forms a radial seal between the pilot valve inlet (10) and thepilot valve outlet (11) between the main body (9) and the pilot valvereceptacle (12).
 9. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the inflow (14) or the outflow (15) isoriented transverse to the insertion direction (13), or at least one ofthe pilot valve inlet (10) or the pilot valve outlet (11) is orientedtransverse to the insertion direction (13).
 10. The valve arrangement(1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fastenerformed on the main body (9) and a mating fastener is formed on the pilotvalve receptacle (12), and the fastener and mating fastener form alockable and releasable connection, in particular wherein the connectionis a′/turn connection.
 11. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the connection between theinflow (14) and the pressure chamber (7) or the connection between theoutflow (15) and the main valve outlet (5) comprises a tube connection(19).
 12. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least one of the pilot valve inlet (10) and the pilot valveoutlet (11) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the insertiondirection (13), the pilot valve inlet (10) is formed on the main body(9) as a duct extending radially at least sectionally, or the pilotvalve outlet (11) is formed on the main body (9) as a duct extendingaxially at least sectionally.
 13. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100)as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the pilot valvereceptacle (12) is formed in a housing part (20) of the main valve (2),or the pilot valve receptacle (12) is pot-shaped and is at least half asdeep as it is wide.
 14. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the outflow (15) is formed at an inner endregion of the pilot valve receptacle (12), or a mouth opening (21) ofthe connection between the outflow (15) and the main valve outlet (5) isarranged spaced apart from the diaphragm (6) of the main valve (2). 15.The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe pilot valve (8) is manually actuatable.
 16. The valve arrangement(1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot valve (8)further includes at least one of a pushbutton mechanism (22), a rockerswitch, or a rotary switch for actuation.
 17. The valve arrangement (1,50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot valve (8) furtherincludes a valve plunger (23).
 18. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75,100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot valve (8) is a pinchvalve.
 19. The valve arrangement (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1,wherein the pilot valve (8) is fastened releasably in the pilot valvereceptacle (12).
 20. A series of valve arrangements (1, 50, 75, 100)having at least two variants, each comprising one of the valvearrangements (1, 50, 75, 100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilotvalves (8) of the at least two variants are structurally identical, andin a first variant of the at least two variants, the pilot valve (8) isarranged in the pilot valve receptacle (2) that is formed on a housingpart (20) of the main valve (2) and, in a second variant of the at leasttwo variants, the pilot valve (8) is at least one of arranged in aposition, or with an orientation, which differs in relation to therespective main valve (2).
 21. The series of valve arrangements asclaimed in claim 20, wherein in the second variant of the at least twovariants, the pilot valve (8) is arranged in the pilot valve receptacle(12) that is separate from the main valve (2).
 22. The series of valvearrangements as claimed in claim 20, wherein in the second variant, thepilot valve (8) is connected to the main valve (2) via at least one tubeconnection (19).
 23. The series of valve arrangements as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the first variant and the second variant aredistinguished from one another by an adapter (24) communicating betweenthe main valve (2) and the pilot valve (8).